Children's Community Fun Day
On Saturday, June 15, 2019 the American Martial Arts Institute held its Children’s Community Fun Day, open to the public for children 12 and under and their families. The event was organized by Grandmaster Crandall with instructors and black belt students staffing the morning’s activities. Mr. Mike McCormack volunteered for the day, giving free rides to the children in his 1935 American LaFrance Fire Engine called “Hotfoot”. The fire engine drove around the parking lot of the building, setting off it siren on occasion to the children’s delight. Another popular attraction was the bounce house donated by 3 Brothers Inflatables of New Hartford. The bounce house featured a slide down to mats in the parking lot and a basketball hoop. There were also dozens of free cupcakes with our school logo, cookies, and apple cider (donated by Twin Orchards). Thank you to everyone who donated the food for this event. Inside, the Utica Zoo was set up in training room 3 for the children to see various animals including a hedgehog. There were also plenty of balloons for the children to take home.
At 10:45 am, the students (aged 6-12), performed a public demonstration led by Master Chuff. This included a mock class, sparring, board breaking, kata, weapon’s kata, and more. American Martial Arts Institute students do not break boards in regular classes and for many it was their first opportunity to learn how to do so.
